} Market maturity:
} Outlook:
On the further developments Geotechmarket with new
technologies at the TerraTec
in georesearch funding

} Resources:
Geoscience as a key to
securing raw materials

} Illustrative:
The new GEOTECHNOLOGIEN exhibition »Precious Earth«

Geological research – outlook

In the remaining two years of the R & D program, a further focal
point will again be tackled. The topic "development of methods
for early detection of natural hazards in Germany through innovative sensor and information technology" was the first common
initiative by the two funding organizations on a research topic within GEOTECHNOLOGIEN. The evaluation of the submitted project
proposals, ending on the last of February 2013 also takes place in
close cooperation with the BMBF and DFG. If this procedure proves itself, this example should be followed by further invitations to
tender.

Based on the internationally renowned research results and innovative practices and methods that were developed in the R & D
program, a continuation of this successful concept for research
funding is foreseen in January 2015, again supported by the two
main German research councils. First conceptual discussions on
such a follow-up program are to be carried out in the next 2 years
and will aim at ensuring a smooth transition into a new research
and development program. ¢

GEOTECHNOLOGIEN

As part of the GEOTECHNOLOGIEN program the Federal Ministry
of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Research
Foundation (DFG) will jointly fund various Earth science issues until
the end of 2014. The program has tremendously encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthened, not only the links
between research institutions and universities, but also the increased collaboration with the industry in the geosciences. The interaction of this somewhat alternating funding between the basic
and applied research in science has provided extremely valuable
input. About 45 universities, 30 research institutions outside of
universities and more than 60 research partners in the industry
have worked together over the last 13 years on topics of GEOTECHNOLOGIEN.